Fixture

ABSTRACT

A fixture system includes a fixture having an input device, an output device, and a fixture computing system. The fixture computing system includes a database and programming for receiving information from the input device and accessing the database. The programming has instructions that, when activated by the processor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the output device to output a first signal; (b) receive information from the input device; (c) access the database to determine a second signal, wherein the second signal is based on the information from the input device; and (d) activate the output device to output the second signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/272,749, filed Feb. 11, 2019, which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/939,106, filed Mar. 28, 2018, nowU.S. Pat. No. 10,205,919, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/477,655, filed Mar. 28, 2017, the entiretiesof each of which are incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Fixtures are a staple in and around nearly every building inindustrialized nations. Lighting fixtures are obviously useful forilluminating rooms. Other fixtures are also widely used, includingfixtures for fans, among others. However, technology surroundingfixtures has remained relatively unchanged for a number of years.Because fixtures are located in nearly every room of a building, as wellas many areas outside of a building, there is significant opportunity toincorporate fixtures as a part of an overall system having increasedabilities to interact with subjects (e.g., humans, animals, andobjects).

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order toprovide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Thesummary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineatethe scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some conceptsof the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detaileddescription that is presented elsewhere.

In one embodiment, a fixture includes a housing having an output device,at least one sensor, and a projector for projecting image data. Thefixture further includes a fixture computing system that iscommunicatively coupled to the output device, the sensor, and theprojector and includes a processor, and non-transitory computer memoryhaving programming for receiving information from the at least onesensor and causing the projector to project the image data.

In another embodiment, a fixture system includes a fixture, a fixturecomputing system, and a first remote response module. The fixture has ahousing with at least one sensor and a projector for selectivelyprojecting image data onto a surface. The fixture computing system iscommunicatively coupled to the sensor and the projector, and includes atleast a processor, and non-transitory computer memory comprisingprogramming for receiving information from the at least one sensor;transmitting the sensor information over a network; determining thepresence of a situation; and retrieving the image data from a databasefor display by the projector. The first remote response module has afirst remote response computing system that is communicatively coupledto the fixture computing system. The first remote response computingsystem similarly has a processor, and non-transitory computer memorywith programming for receiving the sensor information from the fixturecomputing system and activating the remote response module.

In still another embodiment, a fixture system includes a housing with alight and a projector for projecting image data onto a surface. Thesystem further includes a fixture computing system having a processor,and non-transitory computer memory comprising programming for causingthe projector to project the image data.

According to a further embodiment, a fixture system includes a fixturehaving an input device, an output device, and a fixture computingsystem. The fixture computing system includes a database and programmingfor receiving information from the input device and accessing thedatabase. The programming has instructions that, when activated by theprocessor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the output deviceto output a first signal; (b) receive information from the input device;(c) access the database to determine a second signal, wherein the secondsignal is based on the information from the input device; and (d)activate the output device to output the second signal.

In still another embodiment, a fixture system includes a first fixturehaving a first input device and a first output device. The systemfurther includes a second fixture communicatively coupled to the firstfixture, which has a second input device; and a second output device. Afixture computing system has programming for processing information fromthe first input device and the second input device, and includesinstructions that, when activated by the processor, performs thefollowing steps: (a) activate the first output device to output a firstsignal; (b) activate the second output device to output a second signal;(c) activate the first input device to receive the second signal; and(d) activate the first output device to output a third signal, whereinthe third signal is based on the second signal from the second outputdevice.

According to still yet another embodiment, a fixture system has a firstfixture with a first output device; and a first sensor comprising acamera. A first fixture computing system is communicatively coupled tothe first fixture, and has a processor; and non-transitory computermemory with programming for receiving information from the first sensorand causing the output device to output a first signal. The programmingspecifically includes instructions for receiving sensor data from thefirst sensor; processing the first sensor data; generating a firstcontent based on the processed first sensor data; and outputting thefirst content via the first output device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a fixture according to an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the fixture of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a system incorporating a fixture according toan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic of a system incorporating a fixture according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating a system incorporating a fixtureaccording to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a fixture according to yet another embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a fixture according to still yetanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of a fixture according to a furtherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8A is a front view of a pool fixture according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8B is a side view of the pool fixture of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of system incorporating a pool fixtureaccording to still another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a system incorporating a fixtureaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of fixtures having increased functionalities as part of anoverall communications system are described herein. As will be describedin greater detail below, in one embodiment, a fixture may be astand-alone device, generally configured to interact with a system forproviding information to a user via a display. In another embodiment, afixture may be further configured to interact with a user to provide auser-specific output in accordance with the system with which it isassociated. While specific embodiments of various fixtures are describedin detail herein, it shall be understood that the underlying inventiondescribed herein can be incorporated for use with any fixture which maybe found in or around a location.

FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a fixture 100 according to one embodiment of theinvention. Here, the fixture 100 is embodied as a can light, such asthose typically found in a ceiling of a building. Here, the fixture 100includes a housing 105 and a light 110. The light 110 may, inembodiments, be an LED light, although other types of lights mayadditionally or alternately be appropriate. The housing 105 and/or thelight 110 may be equipped with wiring 115 for receiving and/ortransferring power as described below. The housing 110 may be equippedwith one or more input and/or output devices 130 a, 130 b, 130 c(generally sensors, 130), which are part of a fixture computing device117 associated with the fixture 100. The fixture computing device 117may be directly associated with the fixture 100, or may be distributed(i.e., remote) from the fixture 100. In any event, the fixture computingdevice 117 is communicatively coupled to the fixture 100.

The wiring 115 may include traditional electrical wiring, which mayallow the light 110 and/or the fixture computing device 117 to hook intothe existing electrical system. Alternately, the wiring 115 may be, forexample, light pipes or fiber optics which may receive light fromanother area in a building in order to power the light 110 and/or thefixture computing device 117. In one embodiment, a sensor 130 a mayinclude a light detection and transmission sensor (e.g., one or moresolar panels) which may be configured to receive, transduce, and storeambient light energy to provide power to the light 110. Energy from thesensor 130 a may be stored (e.g., in a battery, capacitor, etc.) toprovide electrical power to the light 110 and/or the fixture computingdevice 117 during periods of low ambient light exposure (e.g., atnight).

Further, the light 110 (and other components) may be controlled via aDIP switch (or other programmable configuration device). As known tothose of skill in the art, the DIP switch may allow for remote controlof the light without requiring an electrical connection between thelight 110 and the on/off switch. This may be particularly advantageouswhere the wiring 115 includes light pipes and/or fiber optics and isotherwise not dependent on electrical energy. Energy harvestingtechniques can be used from the optical pipe system to distribute powerto subsystems in select embodiments.

Sensors 130 a and 130 b may be, for example, a motion detector,proximity sensor, camera, video camera, infrared detector, a receiver,humidity sensor, thermometer, or any other sensor that is now known orlater developed. It shall be understood that the sensor 130 b mayinclude a plurality of sensors, including but not limited to thoselisted immediately above. The sensors 130 b which may be incorporatedinto the fixture 100 may be selected based on the location of thefixture 100 and/or the desirable function of the fixture 100. Inembodiments, the sensors 130 b may optionally be removable and/orexchangeable, to allow a user to customize the fixture 100 according tothe user's desires. The sensors 130 b may be configured to communicatewith the fixture computing device 117 as described in greater detailbelow.

An output device 130 c, such as a projector, may be situated in thehousing 110, e.g., along an inner rim of thereof. The projector 130 cmay be configured to provide display content on a surface near thefixture 100. FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of a fixture 100embodied as a can light disposed in a ceiling 5 of a building 1. FIG. 5shows a schematic illustration of a fixture 100 embodied in a ceilingfan. In both embodiments, although not necessarily required, theprojector 130 c of the fixture 100 projects indicia 160 onto the wall10. In embodiments, multiple projectors 130 c may be included in thefixture 100, and indicia 160 may be projected onto multiple surfaces. Itshall be understood that the output device 130 c may be embodied in aplurality of output devices 130 c, including but not limited to aprojector, speakers, lights, fragrance delivery systems, noise/vibrationcanceling propagation devices, radio frequency (RF) repeaters, etc.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3, which schematically illustrates asystem having an exemplary fixture computing device 117 with analysisand response capabilities. The fixture 100, fixture computing device117, and other computing devices (or modules 300 and 400) arecommunicatively coupled (e.g., via wires or wirelessly over a network200). The fixture computing device 117 includes a processor 120communicatively coupled to a network interface 125, and memory 135. Thesensors 130 a, 130 b, 130 c may be in communication (e.g., via wires orwirelessly over the network 200) with the processor 120. The processor120 operates software 140 housed in the memory 135.

Processor 120 represents one or more digital processors. In some exampleembodiments, the processor 120 may be configured through particularlyconfigured hardware, such as an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., and/or throughexecution of software to perform functions in accordance with thedisclosure herein. Network interface 125 may be implemented as one orboth of a wired network interface and a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi,Internet, Bluetooth, Cellular, etc.) interface, as is known in the art.Memory 135 represents one or more of volatile memory (e.g., RAM) andnon-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, EPROM, FLASH, magnetic media,Electrochromic, Active Graphically Encoded Icon (GEI), optical media,chemical, etc.). Although shown within the fixture computing device 117,memory 135 may be, at least in part, implemented as network storage thatis external to the fixture 100 and/or the fixture computing device 117,and accessed via network interface 125.

Software 140 may be stored in a transitory or non-transitory portion ofthe memory 135. Software 140 includes machine readable instructions thatare executed by processor 120 to perform the functionality of thecomputing device 117 as described herein. In the illustrated example,the software 140 contains one or more modes of functionality, includingbut not limited to an action screener 145A, an authenticator 145B, aprimary content generator 145C, an olfaction module 145D, an alertgenerator 145E, and a response generator 145F, each of which aredescribed in more detail below. The software 140 may contain fewer modesof functionality, depending on the sensors 130. As the sensors 130receive data, the information may be evaluated by the software 140 todetermine what, if any action, by the fixture 100 is desirable.

The authenticator 145B may, in embodiments, communicate with a mobilecomputer of a user (discussed further below) to verify the identity ofthe user. For instance, and as discussed below, a user may download amobile application to allow him to interact with the fixture 100. Duringthe installation process, a unique number associated with the user'smobile computer (e.g., an Android ID, a Google Advertising ID, aUniversal Device ID, etc.) may be retrieved and stored (e.g., in cloudstorage). When a proximity sensor 130 (see FIG. 1) indicates that a useris proximate (e.g., within 1-5 feet of) the fixture 100, theauthenticator 145B may use the network interface 125 to interact withthe user's mobile computer (e.g., over Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)beacons, LIDAR, or other triangulation network techniques) to determinethe device ID and/or physical position of the user's mobile computer. Itshall be understood that the proximity sensor 130 as well as the user'smobile computer are not limited to traditional devices that exist todayand could extend their operation onto (or within) future devices thatutilize distributed networking techniques such as Internet of Things(IoT) which may eventually be embedded into objects, animals, andhumans. The authenticator may thereafter match the device ID obtainedwhen the user is at the fixture 100 with the device ID retrieved duringthe mobile application installation, and thereby, identify andauthenticate the user. Optionally, the user may engage with the mobilecomputer and the mobile application to save preferences of the user(e.g., favorite shows, news channels, music, movies, etc.). Where theuser has uploaded preferences into the mobile application, and theproximity sensor 130 determines that the user is proximate the fixture100, the processor 120 may activate the primary content generator,discussed below, to provide the preferred content for the user to see.

The primary content generator 145C may generate content (e.g., indicia160, see FIG. 4) for display on a surface near the fixture 100. Theprimary display content 160 may be general content or individualized(i.e., personalized) content. General content, as used herein, mayinclude TV channels, sports games, movies, non-targeted advertisements,etc. Individualized content, as used herein, may include a personalizedmessage, targeted advertising, cryptographic digital ledger(Blockchain), or any other content that is tailored to the particularuser near the fixture 100. In an embodiment, when the authenticator doesnot recognize the user, or preferences have not been uploaded, thecontent 160 displayed on the display surface may be general content.When a user is near the fixture 100 and his identity is confirmed usingthe authenticator 145B, the primary content generator 145C may cause theprojector 130 c to display content 160 that is personalized to thatuser. For instance, where the user provides his name as part of theinstallation of the mobile application to interact with the fixture 100(discussed further below), upon identification of the user at thefixture 100 via the authenticator 145B, the primary content generator145C may cause the projector 130 c to display an individualized messagethat includes the name of the user. Alternately or in addition, duringinstallation of the mobile application, the user may pick topics thatare of interest to the user, and the projector 130 c may displaypersonalized content (e.g., targeted advertisements, movie trailers,biometric related data, etc.) in line with the user's preferences. Insome embodiments, the personalized content may be dynamic (e.g., wherethe user used a search engine on the mobile device to search forlistings for a new vehicle within the last hour, the primary contentgenerator 145C, upon communication of the mobile device with thesoftware 140, may display advertisements for new vehicles). Theprojector 130 c may thus, in embodiments, provide the user apersonalized and immersive experience via the fixture 100.

The alert generator 145E may generate a second content for interactingwith the user. For example, in some embodiments, the alert generator145E may cause an alert (specifically, a sound or flashing lights via anappropriate output device 130) to be generated when a sensor 130indicates the presence of possible harm. Additionally, a display 160 maybe displayed (e.g., via the projector 130 c) to alert the user to thepossible danger. For example, the fixture 100 may include an infraredsensor 130 for detecting heat patterns. If the infrared sensor 130detects the presence of a hot spot, for example, the sensor 130 may, inconjunction with the processor 120 and the alert generator, cause adisplay to appear on a surface near the fixture (e.g., “FIRE—EXIT THEBUILDING IMMEDIATELY”). At the same time, the fixture 100 may optionallyactivate one or more output devices 130 (e.g., lights and/or sound) toprovide an auditory alert to nearby persons. Additionally, the fixture100 may activate, via the response generator 145F, one or more remotedevices, here, sprinklers (represented by module 300 in FIG. 4) toaddress the fire. It shall thus be understood that the sprinkler (andany other remote module 300, as discussed herein) may be equipped with anetwork interface and processor for communicating over the network 200with the fixture computing device 117 for the purpose of receivinginstructions from the fixture computing device 117 in response toinformation received from the one or more sensors 130.

The olfaction module 145D may utilize olfactory sensors to detect thepresence of an undesirable scent near the fixture 100. Upon determiningthe presence of an undesirable scent, the olfaction module may, inconjunction with the processor 120, cause a predetermined amount ofperfume to be sprayed into the room. The olfaction module 145D may beconfigured to routinely run, for example, every 20 minutes, 30 minutes,45 minutes, 60 minutes, etc. to check for the presence of an undesirablescent. If the module does not detect the presence of an undesirablescent, no action may occur until the next routinely checks the area foran undesirable scent. The olfaction module 145D is not limited toqualitative readings of scents. Quantitative readings can also berealized through spectroscopy (or gas chromatography mass spectrometry)that can be used to identify gas, liquid or solids content. Thesespecific olfactory readings can be processed through a database to alertunsafe conditions that are outside of the traditional definition ofsmell. Some of the possible safety alert examples are biohazard,chemical identification, radiation levels, etc.

As mentioned above, a sensor 130 may include a camera, video camera,infrared sensor, and/or a voice recognition tool. The action screener145 may be configured to interpret action(s) received by the camera,video camera and/or voice processing recognition tool (e.g., receiver)130 from a user in order to generate a response. For example, a user mayspeak aloud to turn on the television to a particular channel. Theprojector 130 c may subsequently be activated, and through the network200, begin to project content from the particular channel on to, forexample, the wall, floor, or other surface. FIG. 4 illustrates a user ina room with a fixture 100 in communication with a fixture computingdevice 117. The fixture 100, via projector 130 c, is projecting indicia160 onto the wall, which is viewable by the user.

In embodiments, the action screener 145 may be configured to recognizecertain gestures from a user for the purpose of activating variousfeatures of the fixture 100. For example, a sensor 130 (e.g., camera orvideo camera) may be programmed to recognize a particular sequence ofmovements to activate the projector 130 c. Another sequence of movementsmay be utilized to deactivate the projector 130 c. Still anothersequence of movements may be utilized to activate another output device130 via the response generator 145F (e.g., a fragrance dispenser) or aremote module 300, as described in greater detail below. Gestureinteractivity is not limited to human interaction. For example,movements of animals, plants, objects, etc. may be used for interactiveinput to the system in certain embodiments. Gesture monitoring may alsoextend to behavior observation where gesture movements outside of adynamic normalized curve can be identified resulting in alert conditionsthat can be communicated externally as anomalies, pre-alarms, or alarmalerts. An example could be a cashier's anxious behavior during atransaction which could trigger a pre-alarm, which may subsequentlyprogress to a serious alarm condition based on dynamic gestures (e.g.,abnormal behavior, pre-trained trigger movements, or deceptive cues).

It shall be understood that fixtures 100 having certain sensors 130 suchas cameras and/or video cameras may be undesirable in sensitivelocations, such as restrooms, bedrooms, etc. Accordingly, some fixtures100 may only include sensors 130 which may be acceptable in suchlocations, such as voice recognition sensors, infrared sensors, etc.

As described briefly above, the response generator 145F may send arequest for action over the network 200 to one or more remote modules300 and 400 in response to receipt of information from the varioussensors 130. The module 300 may include other fixtures 100 locatedwithin a particular geographic location, or other systems locatedthroughout a building, such as the HVAC system, the security system,sprinkler system, etc. Information received by the sensor(s) 130 maytrigger the response generator 145F to send a signal over the network200 to elicit a controlled response e.g., turning on the heat or A/C,tuning the temperature, etc. from the respective module 300. Here, thememory 135 may be pre-programmed (which may be updated from time totime) with user preferences concerning particular operations around ageographic location, such as preferred temperatures (e.g., at particulartime intervals in a particular location), amount of light, audio, etc.

As noted above, the respective module 300, be it an HVAC system,security system, sprinkle system, or other remote system, may beequipped with a network interface and processor for communicating overthe network 200 with the fixture computing device 117 for the purpose ofreceiving instructions from the fixture computing device 117 in responseto information received from the one or more sensors 130.

For example, in an embodiment, the fixture 100 may include a thermometer130 and a voice recognition sensor 130. The thermometer 130 may decipherthe temperature in and around a particular location. As the thermometer130 receives said temperature data, the fixture computing device 117,via the software 140, may determine that the temperature is above (orbelow, as the case may be) the predetermined desired temperature forthat location at that time. The response generator 145F may thereforesend a signal to the HVAC system (e.g., module 300), causing the HVACsystem to turn up the air conditioner to reduce the temperature at thatlocation. Other modules 300 may additionally be communicatively coupledto the fixture 100, thus allowing the user to control various systemsthroughout a building from a single location.

In embodiments, the user may additionally, or alternately, control thevarious modules 300 via voice interaction with the fixture 100. Forexample, the user may simply speak “turn the temperature to 68” whichmay be picked up by the voice recognition sensor(s) 130 which may causethe response generator 145F to send a signal to the HVAC system. In someembodiments it will be desirable to pre-process and post-process audiosignals for the purposes of understanding speech for interactive inputsas well as overcoming non-ideal acoustical properties such as echoes,noise-profiles (e.g. water based echo patterns within a shower). Thesystem utilizes a closed loop of refining the input and output waveformsof audio speech, music, and ambient noise shaping to provide a seamlessinteractive experience for the user. These techniques ensure that thefunctions such as voice processing recognition as well as providing aflat frequency response listening environment. Multiple fixtures 100 maywork in conjunction through a distributed network in order to optimizethe performance of signal processing algorithms.

The remote module 400 may, in embodiments, be a remote device forcontrolling the light 110, for example. The remote device may be a cellphone, a laptop computer, a tablet, or any other appropriate device thatmay be programmed to communicate over the network 200 for the purpose ofcontrolling the system. Such devices are well known to those of skill inthe art.

In embodiments, the system includes a plurality of fixtures 100 (andtherefore fixture computing devices 117) in communication over thenetwork 200. As a user moves from one location to another, motionsensors 130 in the respective fixtures 100 may detect movement. Thefixture computing device 117 in a first location may communicate (e.g.,over the network 200) with a fixture computing device 117 in a secondlocation to alert the fixture computing device 117 in the secondlocation of movement of the user such that the user experience iscontinuous. For example, consider a projector 130 c in the first fixture100 that, via fixture computing device 117, is projecting a TV show at afirst location. When the user moves from the first location to a secondlocation, a motion sensor 130 in the fixture 100 in the first locationmay detect that the user is no longer in the room and shut the projector130 c off. When the user enters a second location, the motion detector130 in the second fixture 100 may detect same, and the projector 130 cin the second fixture 100, via the fixture computing device 117, may beactivated to project the TV show in the second location. Thus, the usermay experience virtually uninterrupted entertainment as he movesthroughout a building. Multiple fixture 100 devices may be operated inconjunction to provide fractional frame projection per fixture 100 inorder to project a larger overall perception of projected screen image.In other words, each fixture 100 may project (or provide a portion of)the overall desired resulting image where the plurality of fixture 100devices provides an overall seamless composite image.

In some embodiments, the fixture computing device 117 is providedtogether with the fixture 100, and the fixture 100 is disposed in aharsh environment, such as in or near a shower, in a pool, etc. Here,the fixture computing device 117 may be enveloped in a housing so as toprotect the various components from water damage.

In embodiments where the fixture 100 is disposed at or near a shower,for example, the projector 130 c (via positioning of the housing 105)may be configured to project on a wall or other surface. Alternately,the projector 130 c may be configured to project on a pane of glass,such as the shower door. Various systems exist which may allow for theprojection of images on panes of glass. Exemplary window panel systemsfor the projection of image data are described in U.S. patentapplication Ser. Nos. 14/807,331 and 15/853,079, which are incorporatedby reference herein in their entireties. It shall be understood that theprojector 130 b may be provided in conjunction with speakers 130 suchthat a user can also hear audio data in addition to the projected imagedata.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable to project at angles that arenot perpendicular in relation from the projector's lens to theprojection viewing surface. In these cases it is necessary to utilize apre-processed optical correction mapping algorithm that can correct forkeystone effects which can provide correction to aspect ratio andangular cohesion and framing of the desired projection image. In otherembodiments the optical correction mapping algorithm may utilizethree-dimensional spatial mapping techniques to allow projection ontosurfaces that are either inconsistent in elevation (e.g. not a flatscreen) or a contoured 3-dimensional surface such as an object on atable or a person's face. The inverse process of projecting apre-processed optical correction mapped image yields a corrected imagefor angle and varying elevation to provide desirable image viewability.

Reference is made herein to a can light which is for use in a structuresuch as a building. It shall be understood by those of skill in the art,however, that the components described herein may be incorporated intoother light fixtures, including but not limited to light fixtures inpools, above showers, street lamps, as part of the fixture for a ceilingfan (FIG. 5). Further embodiments may incorporate fixtures 100 intokitchen counter lighting, backsplash displays, window frames (e.g., in acurtain panel display, such as a display incorporating smart glass),holographic table-to-cup projection, airplane seatbacks, automotivelights, etc. For example, a vehicle may incorporate one or more fixtures100 equipped with some or all of the functionalities described herein.The fixture 100 may be operable to receive information (e.g., from amobile device over a network) and project the information to a driver orpassenger of the vehicle. In some embodiments, fixtures 100 in one ormore vehicles may communicate with each other to provide informationabout the environment, the roadways, other vehicles, etc. to otherdrivers and passengers.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 9, and 10 illustrate an alternative embodiment of afixture 800 for use as a pool light. The fixture 800 is substantiallysimilar to the fixture 100 except as shown and/or described herein, oras would be inherent. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the embodiment 800 may be modified in various ways, such as throughincorporating all or part of any of the various described embodiments,for example. For uniformity and brevity, reference numbers between 800and 899 may be used to indicate parts corresponding to those discussedabove numbered between 100 and 199 (e.g., sensor 130 correspondsgenerally to the sensor 830), though with any noted or shown deviations.

Here, the fixture 800 includes a projector 830 b. The projector 830 bmay be configured to project image data into the pool 700, andoptionally, onto the pool floor 705. The fixture 800 may further includeone or more sensors and/or output devices 830 a and 830 c for gatheringdata at or near the fixture 800. In embodiments, the sensors and/oroutput devise 830 a and 830 c may optionally include thermometers,cameras, video cameras, infrared sensor, speaker, pH sensors, chemicaldetection sensors, etc.

Similar to the fixture 100, the fixture 800 is communicatively coupledto a fixture computing device 817 which may be part of, or remote from,the fixture 800. The fixture computing device 817 may include variousfunctional modes (generally 845), including an action screener 845A, aresponse generator 845B, a content generator 845C, and an alertgenerator 845D. The functional modes 845 operate in conjunction with thesensors 830 a and 830 c to analyze data from the sensors 830 a and 830 cand to provide a response thereto. In addition, the fixture 800 may becommunicatively coupled (e.g., over a network 200) with remote modules900A and/or 900B for providing a response, as is described herein. Itshall be understood that the remote modules 900A and 900B can bemultiple modules, each of which may have its own functionality.

The action screener 845A may, for example, be configured to interpretaction(s) received by a camera and/or video camera 830 from a user inorder to generate a response. In particular, the action screener 845Amay be configured to recognize erratic or unsynchronized movements todetect a likelihood of drowning (e.g. dynamic gesture decoded actions).In such an event, the action screener 845A, via the video camera 830,may detect suspicious activity due to the presence of erratic movementwithin the viewing field. Upon determining that there is a likelihood ofsuspicious activity, the action screener 845A may activate the alertgenerator 845D. The alert generator 845D may send out an alert (e.g.,wirelessly over the network 200) to a remote device 900A, such as amobile device. At the same time, the alert generator 845D may cause aremote device 900B, such as a speaker, to provide an audio indication ofa possible unsafe situation. Still further, the alert generator 845D maycause the light in the fixture 800 to flash. In this way, persons in thepool and outside of the pool may be alerted to the presence of apotentially unsafe situation.

A user of the remote device 900A, such as a parent or a lifeguard, mayassess the situation and interact with the remote device 900A (equippedwith the necessary programming) to either deny the presence of an unsafesituation, or to confirm that an unsafe situation is present. The alertgenerator 845D may include a timer, which gives the user a predeterminedperiod of time to either confirm or deny the presence of an unsafesituation. If the user denies the presence of an unsafe situation, thenthe alert generator 845D may be deactivated, and the video camera sensor830 may resume scanning the area for possible unsafe situations. If,instead, the timer expires, or the user confirms the presence of anunsafe situation, then the alert generator 845D may enter into acatastrophic mode.

In the catastrophic mode, the alert generator 845D may activate a remotedevice 900C, such as a flotation device to the area where the distressedswimmer is located. In an embodiment, the flotation device is a net-likeflotation device or pad that is housed at the bottom of the pool. Whenthe catastrophic mode is activated, the net is released from latches atthe edge of the pool, and surrounds the distressed swimmer to preventthe swimmer from drowning. In embodiments, the net has a degree ofbuoyancy that causes the net to float on the water, thereby preventingthe swimmer from drowning. In another embodiment, the net may beprogrammably buoyant. Here, the net or pad may be selectively filledwith a gas (e.g., a gas that is lighter than water) via, for example,activation of a firing mechanism by the alert generator 845D. The firingmechanism may pierce a gas cartridge communicatively coupled (e.g., viaa tube) to the flotation device. Gas may flow from the cartridge to theflotation device causing the flotation device to inflate. Once theswimmer is safely removed from the pool, the flotation device may bedeflated (e.g., via the use of selective openings in the device) andreturned to its storage location. In embodiments, latches 910, such assolenoid latches, hoists, or the like, may be utilized to move theflotation device back to its storage position.

Instead of, or in addition to, a video camera 830, the fixture 800 mayinclude a voice processor recognition tool. The voice recognition toolmay be specifically configured to recognize sounds (e.g., “HELP!”,unusual splash patterns, screams, extended garbled speech, etc.) toactivate the action screener 845A and the alert generator 845D, asdescribed herein. In applications such as pool lighting, interactivesafety devices will utilize pre- and post-processing with a closed-loopto resolve “safe” and “unsafe” conditions such as a child falling in thepool and calling for help. Closed loop processing techniques foridentification, safety, etc. is not limited to audio and can be realizedutilizing visual, temperature and other input signals.

Optionally, sensors 830 may additionally be located outside of the pool(e.g., via additional fixtures 800 disposed around the pool such as onlight poles, life guard stands, etc., or as a standalone sensor 830).Where a plurality of fixtures 800 are utilized, each of the fixturecomputing devices 817 is communicatively coupled together, e.g., overthe network 200, as is described herein. In embodiments, the actionscreener 845A may be configured to recognize certain purposeful gesturesfrom a user for the purpose of activating various features of thefixture 800. For example, the sensor 830 (e.g., camera or video camera)may be programmed to recognize a particular sequence of movements toactivate alert generator 845D to send an alert to an employee to bringanother drink. Gesture interactivity is not limited to humaninteraction. For example, movements of animals, plants, objects, etc.may be used for interactive input to the system in certain embodiments.

It shall be understood that while the alert generator 845D is describedherein as generating alerts due to the perceived presence of an unsafesituation, the alert generator 845D may additionally, or alternately, beconfigured to provide alerts to a remote module 900A, such as a remotedevice, for the purpose of providing refreshments to a pool patron.

FIGS. 6-7B illustrate another alternative embodiment of a fixture 500consisting of a hook 505 that fits over, for example, a door 510(although it may be configured to interact with other appliances,equipment, etc.). Here, the hook 505 has a first appliance engagingportion 505 a and a second appliance engaging portion 505 b connectedvia a central portion 505 c. In the embodiment shown in in FIGS. 6-7B,the first appliance engaging portion 505 a is situated on the outside ofthe door 510 (e.g., facing outside); the second appliance engagingportion 505 b is thus situated on the inside of the door 510.

The first appliance engaging portion 505 a may be equipped with one ormore sensors (generally, 530). The sensors 530 may include but are notlimited to video recorders, microphones and/or sound recorders, cameras,temperature gauges, etc. The sensors 530 may optionally be containedinside a housing which may protect the sensors 530 from the elements. Inan embodiment, the second engaging portion 505 b includes a projector532. The projector 532 may be configured to be in communication (e.g.,wired or wireless, including over a network, WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular,etc.) with the sensors 530 at the first appliance engaging portion 505a.

While the sensors 530 are shown on an outside of the door with theprojector 532 on an inside of the door, it shall be understood thatsensors 530 may additionally, or alternately, by on the inside of thedoor (e.g., in the second engaging portion 505 b), with the projector532 additionally, or alternately, on an outside of the door (e.g., inthe first engaging portion 505 a).

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7A, the sensor (not visible) is avideo camera that is equipped with a microphone. The sensor 530 is incommunication with the projector 532. When the sensor 530 detects thepresence of an individual in front of the door 510, the individual'slikeness may be projected onto the backside of the door 510 such that aperson standing in the house may see the individual on the other side ofthe door. One or more sensors on the second appliance engaging portion505 b, such as a video camera and/or microphone may similarly beconfigured to record and transmit the likeness of the person standing onthe inside to the person standing on the outside via a projection device(e.g., like projector 532).

In another embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 7B, the projector 532 may beconfigured to project indicia 540 onto the inside of the door 510. Theindicia 540 may be selected from a database 137 in the fixture computingdevice 117 associated with the fixture 500 (which may be accessedwirelessly over the network 200, for example) for projection onto thedoor 510. In embodiments, the database 137 may be accessed by a wirelessdevice 400 (e.g., a cellular phone) which may allow a user to select theindicia 540 that is to be projected onto the door 510. The projector 532may be configured to automatically switch between projecting an imagefrom a sensor 530 in the first appliance engaging portion 505 a andprojecting indicia 540, depending on the information that is beingreceived by the sensor 530. In embodiments where the sensors 530 includesensors for monitoring temperature, humidity, etc., the information maybe communicated (e.g., wirelessly) to the user or other subsystems whichmay be distributed throughout the home as discussed herein.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present inventionhave been described with the intent to be illustrative rather thanrestrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisanmay develop alternative means of implementing the aforementionedimprovements without departing from the scope of the present invention.Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed within the scope of the disclosure.Further, various steps set forth herein may be carried out in ordersthat differ from those set forth herein without depart from the scope ofthe present methods. This specification shall not be restricted to theabove embodiments.

Any units of measurement provided herein are exemplary in nature onlyand are not meant to specifically define the dimensions of the system.Other dimensions may be appropriate or desirable.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fixture system, comprising: a fixtureconfigured for use in a vehicle, comprising: an input device; an outputdevice; and a fixture computing system, comprising a database andprogramming for receiving information from the input device andaccessing the database, wherein the programming comprises instructionsthat, when activated by the processor, performs the following steps: (a)activate the output device to output a first signal; (b) receiveinformation from the input device; (c) access the database to determinea second signal, wherein the second signal is based on the informationfrom the input device; and (d) activate the output device to output thesecond signal.
 2. The fixture system of claim 1, wherein the inputdevice is a camera.
 3. The fixture system of claim 1, wherein the outputdevice is a projector.
 4. The fixture system of claim 3, wherein theprojector projects human readable indicia.
 5. The fixture system ofclaim 1, wherein the database comprises user-specific information. 6.The fixture system of claim 5, wherein the user-specific information isa threshold condition.
 7. The fixture system of claim 6, wherein thesecond signal is further based on the threshold condition.
 8. Thefixture system of claim 7, wherein the input device is a thermometer. 9.The fixture system of claim 8, wherein the output device is a heater.10. The fixture system of claim 1, wherein the fixture is configured asa light for a vehicle.
 11. A fixture system, comprising: a firstfixture, comprising: a first input device; and a first output device; asecond fixture communicatively coupled to the first fixture, the secondfixture, comprising: a second input device; and a second output device;and a fixture computing system, comprising programming for processinginformation from the first input device and the second input device,wherein the programming comprises instructions that, when activated bythe processor, performs the following steps: (a) activate the firstoutput device to output a first signal; (b) activate the second outputdevice to output a second signal; (c) activate the first input device toreceive the second signal; and (d) activate the first output device tooutput a third signal, wherein the third signal is based on the secondsignal from the second output device.
 12. The fixture system of claim11, wherein the programming further comprises instructions forperforming the following steps: (e) activate the second input device toreceive the first signal; and (f) activate the second output device tooutput a fourth signal, wherein the fourth signal is based on the firstsignal from the first output device.
 13. The fixture system of claim 12,wherein the programming further comprises a database comprising acontent generation module, wherein the content generation modulegenerates first content based on the first signal, the content beingpresented as the third signal via the first output device.
 14. Thefixture system of claim 13, wherein the content generation modulegenerates second content based on the second signal, the content beingpresented as the fourth signal via the second output device.
 15. Thefixture system of claim 12, wherein the programming further comprises adatabase comprising a content generation module, wherein the contentgeneration module generates first content based on the first signal, thecontent being presented as the third signal via the first output device.16. The fixture system of claim 15, wherein each of the first signal,the second signal, and the third signal is an image.
 17. A fixturesystem, comprising: a first fixture configured for use in a vehicle,comprising: a first output device; and a first sensor comprising acamera; and a first fixture computing system communicatively coupled tothe first fixture, the first fixture computing system comprising: aprocessor; and non-transitory computer memory comprising programming forreceiving information from the first sensor and causing the outputdevice to output a first signal, the programming comprising instructionsfor: receiving sensor data from the first sensor; processing the firstsensor data; generating a first content based on the processed firstsensor data; and outputting the first content via the first outputdevice.
 18. The fixture system of claim 17, wherein the output device isa projector.
 19. The fixture system of claim 17, further comprising: asecond fixture communicatively coupled to the first fixture, the secondfixture comprising: a second output device; a second sensor comprising acamera; and a second fixture computing system communicatively coupled tothe second fixture, the second fixture computing system comprising: aprocessor; and non-transitory computer memory comprising programming forreceiving information from the first sensor and causing the outputdevice to output a first signal, the programming comprising instructionsfor: receiving sensor data from the second sensor; processing the secondsensor data; generating a second content based on the processed secondsensor data; and outputting the second content via the second outputdevice; wherein: the first sensor receives the second content from thesecond output device; the programming of the first fixture computingsystem generates a third content based on the content from the secondoutput device, the third content being outputted via the first outputdevice; and the second sensor receives the first content from the firstoutput device and the programming of the second fixture computing systemgenerates a fourth content based on the content from the first outputdevice, the fourth content being outputted via the second output device.